Our birthday boy has spent close to four decades living here at Perth Zoo.

In honour of his big day, here are some rhino-sized reasons to love Memphis and Southern White Rhinos.

Green is good

Don’t let his bulky body and big muscles fool you - Memphis isn’t a steak lover.
This hefty herbivore munches on hay, fresh green grass, and tasty celery to stay strong and healthy.

Skincare

Much like you might, rhinos have their version of a skincare routine. Wallowing in mud helps rhinos cool off in hot weather but also protects their skin like sunscreen and even acts as an insect repellent!

Heavyweight champion

Southern White Rhinos are the heaviest of all rhino species and Memphis lives up to the title. He tips the scales at more than 2,000kg - that’s about the same as a car!

 

Should have gone to Specsavers

In general, rhinos don’t have great eyesight and struggle to see still objects even just 30 metres away.
But, that means their other senses are much more powerful, they rely on their sense of smell and hearing to navigate the world.

 

Messages in the mess 

Rhinos don’t just growl and sneeze, they also use pee and poop to send messages!
By leaving their business behind in a big pile known as a midden, they mark their territory and let others know who’s around.

No natural predators

In the wild,  rhinos don’t have any natural predators yet species is still under threat.

The same year Memphis was born, our conservation partner Save the Rhino was founded.

For 38 years, they’ve worked tirelessly to protect rhino species in Africa.  

Here in the sanctuary of Perth Zoo, Memphis and his son Bakari are provided with a safe home, gold-standard medical care and plenty of delicious food and enrichment.
 
But life for their wild cousins is not so sweet.
 
Heartbreakingly, these gentle giants continue to face poaching pressure for their horns, despite it carrying no scientifically proven medicinal benefits.

Thanks to the efforts of our conservation partners, Save the Rhino and TRAFFIC, Memphis’ wild cousins have a fighting chance to live long, healthy lives.

 
Want to come say Happy Birthday to Memphis? Join our Rhino Close Encounter  to see the big guy in-person!